September 27, 2012

New encapsulated urea supplement could replace dairy cows' soy diet

Press release

Without compromising the quality of feed, a new encapsulated urea supplement is proving a cost-effective replacement for soy in the diet of lactating dairy cows.

Nitroshure, a rich source of both nitrogen and protein for ruminants, manufactured by Balchem in the US, is now available in the UK and Ireland, marketed by AB Vista.

As a slow-release nitrogen supplement, it enables dairy nutritionists and producers to take a more flexible approach to feed programming. Its high protein density allows for a greater variety of ingredients in the diet, in place of other protein supplements.

Michael Noonan, Business Development Manager for AB Vista's Great Britain and Ireland team, said, "We are delighted that we can now make this supplement commercially available to our customers in the UK and Ireland at a time when diet costs are at a record high".

Nitroshure supplies cows with the same amount of protein as traditional protein supplements.  The cost is equivalent to soy at a price of around GBP300 (US$486) per tonne. Therefore, a significant saving is possible based on current (and rising) soy prices of around GBP450 (US$729) per tonne.